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| Pulmonary/Critical Care |
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In medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract. It may also be known as “chest medicine” and “respiratory medicine” in other countries. Pulmonology is generally considered a branch of internal medicine and also closely related to intensive care medicine. A common pulmonary disease is asthma in which there is obstruction to the air flow out of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are also related pulmonary diseases. Pulmonary disease is often caused by and made worse by smoking.
Other diseases managed by a pulmonologist usually include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – known as COPD, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer diagnosis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis and sleep apnea. A number of diagnostic tools are used to evaluate pulmonary conditions including lab tests, lung volume, chest x-rays and CT scanning. Special exercises, equipment and medication may be prescribed by the physician to enhance lung capacity and facilitate breathing.
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